Kanya King: Mobo Awards founder dies at 57
Kanya King, the visionary founder of the Mobo Awards, has died at age 57 following a battle with colon cancer. She is remembered for her pioneering work in championing Black music and culture in the UK.
Why it matters
Her work fundamentally shifted the British music industry by providing a platform for underrepresented artists who were previously ignored by mainstream awards.
Image source, Getty Images By Alex Taylor BBC News Culture reporter Published 5 June 2026, 10:45 BST Updated 9 hours ago Mobo Awards founder Kanya King has been remembered as a "visionary" who "changed the face of culture and music", following her death at the age of 57.
Standard obituary reporting focusing on tributes and career achievements without political framing.
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